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For the next generation of commercial jets, US researchers have been exploring the use of composites employing carbon fibres coated with carbon nanotubes, as the basis for even stronger and lighter parts. One obstacle, however, has been that growing the nanotubes has resulted in significantly degrading the inherent strength of the carbon fibres. Now a team of MIT researchers believes it has solved this problem with techniques that can be easily integrated into current fibre-manufacturing processes.